Ignoring the small matter of having to avoid relegation, any enjoyment for the remainder of this season is likely to come from spoiling a few clubs promotion hopes (and waving the pigs off into the Third Division). Few would’ve tipped for Plymouth for promotion this season but they go into this game 11 places and 14 points above the Blades. How depressing is that?
The game will be preceded by a minute’s applause for Derek Dooley at the request of Plymouth manager and ex-Chief Pig Paul Sturrock. Fair play to him for that.
Vital Quotes:
James Beattie has spoken to the official site about the impact of Kevin Blackwell
‘After the Charlton game the Gaffer asked each individual what was wrong and gathered their opinions. There was plenty to talk about because we simply weren’t good enough – everyone held their hands up to that. The main aim this season for everybody was to get promoted but that hasn’t happened and we only have ourselves to blame for this situation.
The Gaffer has come in and been very enthusiastic and that showed in our performances against Middlesbrough both home and away. The progression between our last two performances was massive and we must find some real consistency, as we know exactly what he want us to do and if we don’t perform he will get someone else in to do the job.’
Paul Sturrock no doubt used at least one of the following in his pre-match press conference – ‘zany’, ‘durby’, ‘laddie’.
Plymouth Argyle Team News:
Sturrock looks likely to stick with the side that thumped Colchester in midweek.
Player to watch: Lilian Nalis
Didn’t pull up any trees at the Lane (or even any little flowers) but seems to have done well for Argyle.
Sheffield United Team News:
Stephen Quinn is suspended and Lee Martin misses out on a return to Plymouth with a knee injury. There are also doubts over Rob Hulse and Derek Geary.
Probably the most interesting aspect of Blackwell’s selection will be whether or not Billy Sharp gets another chance alongside James Beattie.
Player to watch: James Beattie
Beattie was rumoured to be at the heart of a player’s revolt against Sturrock at Southampton. Perhaps the two will share a fried egg butty before the game and reminisce about those times? Maybe not.
Can he go on a scoring run after his goal at Ipswich in midweek?
Match Facts & Stats
The Blades haven’t scored on any of their last 5 trips to Plymouth and last won there in 1983.
Match Prediction:
Really difficult to call this one, will the Blades kick on from an encouraging performance at Ipswich or will they return to their bad old ways thinking they’ve done enough this week?
I’m going to be positive and say we’ll take this one 1-0 with Beattie scoring.
For all the odds on this weekend’s football, go to: www.williamhill.co.uk
Next Fixtures:
11th March Coventry (h)
15th March Norwich (h)